When to use Belt and Knee wraps?

[RobertFontaine]

Now that I've finally got to 2x bodyweight on my dead and 1.5x on my squat (Yes I know I'm weak but it feels heavy to me) I'm starting to think that it might be time to invest in a belt.

The NSCA appears to recommend the belt for lifts >80%. I've got no clue about recommendations on when it's time to start with wraps and I don't imparticularily trust the NCSA. I also don't imparticularily trust my own judgement either, although I'm tempted to belt and wrap for doubles and singles.

What are your general recommendations?

... and as a follow up question, Do you forsee writing any articles on transitioning from novice to intermediate lifting? I kind of miss having new Rippetoe things to read and I've already bought all your books.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Greater than 80% of what? Of a novices third workout work set weight? See why these things are important, and why blanket recommendations based on % of 1RM are useless? If you think you are getting ready for a belt, get a belt. You know more about this than the NSCA.

And my time recently has not permitted article writing. Damned board posts. Maybe I should turn them into a book.

[RobertFontaine]

thanks, as always.
It would take some serious editing but your advice posts have plenty of publishable content.

[Mark Rippetoe]

It has taken a lot of editing, true.

[quadancer]

I'm a bit on the fence with it myself. I've started using a belt when generally over 400lbs, but not always. Knee wraps are about the same but I may compete in the 100% RAW meets next year and they don't allow anything but vitamins and whey. And they have some big dawgs pulling big iron with no problems - afaik, all of them. Wraps may be overrated.
And it's squats, SLDL's, and deads that healed my bad back. Without gear.

[Randle McMurphy]

Mr Rippetoe,

Do have your olympic lifters wear a powerlifting ring belt, you know the ones that are made of thick leather, covered in suede, and 4" wide all the way around?

I notice most oly lifters wear a less thick belt, which is 2" at the front, and 4" at the back. I know you admonish these in SS, but that was for squats.

What's you opinion on belts for olympic lifting?
And do the same rules for belt wearing apply?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Most modern Olympic lifters prefer a lighter velcro belt that doesn't interfere with the setup position of the pull. We tend to use them for the C&J and not the snatch, although my back injuries suggest that I wear one for both.